The first thing that gets your attention is the Chieftains' schedule.
All 10 teams on their schedule went to the postseason last year.
Five of those teams won section titles last season, including Northern Section power Sutter.
Yet, this is not a suicide mission.
With the adoption of the new Central Coast Section playoff format, the Chieftains believe they're a state caliber team.
So do I.
Scoring points is not going to be a problem for the reigning co-champions, whose offensive line is anchored by returning all-leaguer Drew Dalman and 285-pounder Zach Ralston.
The only thing that's going to keep 1,500 yard-plus running back Emilio Martinez from breaking the single-season school rushing record this fall is if Palma throws the ball more.
And that's a distinct possibility with the development of quarterback Jack Richardson, who threw for nearly 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns last year.
Richardson has two returning targets who he has built chemistry with in receiver Wesley Johnson and tight end Liam McMillin.
There are holes to fill on the defensive front, where four all-leaguers graduated. The return of Zach Barry will solidify the linebacking corps while Angel Maldonado will create havoc in the trenches.
Go to montereyherald.com for a video interview with coach Jeff Carnazzo.
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